Engineering student guidance? 2

[Catatafish]

I am currently going to community college for an associates degree and the plan is to transfer to a four year school. I'm not sure this is the route I should take because I cant really see where it is going. I'm also worried that after receiving my certification I will end up with a job I hate. I am losing motivation to work towards a degree in electrical engineering because I don't see the light at the end of the tunnel. My ideal job would involve working with electronic and acoustic components of musical instruments, audio equipment, guitars, guitar effect pedals, amplifiers etc. I am wondering if I will need a degree for this or if it is even a practical approach to entering this field. Maybe an engineering technology degree would be more appropriate? Can anybody offer any guidance or suggestions?

 

[MikeHalloran]

Be sure you're registered for the course track that will give you transfer credit toward a BS.

Music circuits used to be so weird that formal training really didn't help, but going digital changed all that.

The scope of things that you'll be equipped to learn with a BSEE goes considerably beyond what you've already listed, and beyond what you'll be equipped for with a BSEET. I don't mean to assert that one is superior or inferior, but I get the impression that you'll do more hands-on work with the -T degree, and have less difficulty finding a job with the non-T. Your mileage may vary.



Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA

 

[Noway2]

From my perspective, of 17 years post graduation, there are two fundamental career paths. One would be the traditional Engineering in an "Engineering" firm, which is really large scale construction. In this realm, you have the traditional hierarchy much like a law firm, of junior, senior, and principle engineers, and a handful of firm partners. For this path, you would need an EE and ultimately a PE license. The other path is a lot more fluid in involves working mostly for private industry. In this realm, you would find an EE or an EET to both be valid, a PE would be of limited benefit (my experience is that there are few of them and are usually in areas such as sales or marketing), and your ability to rise would be based more upon your skill level and determination than your school credentials. One reason why PE's aren't as important in private industry is that evaluation by NRTLs such as UL are used instead.

Classic theory is that the EET is more hands on. From what I have seen, the focus is one of less math and theory and more technical work with a little bit more practical lab experience. Ultimately, both degrees are very similar, and if you plan to work in private industry, would probably both prepare you for real world design and development work.

 

[IRstuff]

The bottom line is actually quite simple. If you never want to rise above the level of a technician, then an associates degree is probably adequate. But, if you ever intend to be designing devices, like the latest and greatest humbucker of string tuner, then a BS degree is probably manadatory. Now, some companies can and do promote "technicians" into "engineers," but the job titles are not portable, i.e., if you go somewhere else, you would most likely revert to a technician level job.

Another consideration is that life and sh*t happens and your interests can and most likely change. A BS degree can allow you the freedom of switching industries and even disciplines that an associates degree will not provide.

TTFN
faq731-376

 

[Ron]

Spot on, IRstuff

 

[debodine]

I strongly agree with those who recommend the BSEE as the ideal degree to have maximum mobility and options, but of course only you know if you actually enjoy what you are learning in the field. The reason I strongly agree is because I have 39 years in aviation as a technician (USAF), then an electrical design engineer and now leading a structural and interiors engineering team.

I have no engineering degree other than an Associates in Avionics Technology from the Community College of the Air Force. (In aviation, the FAA engineer or an FAA-DER stands in as as sort of Professional Engineer with the authority to approve drawings, so my lack of a degree is not a show stopper in my area of aviation.)

While my experience has gotten me into many areas of engineering that today are closed without a degree, because I love aviation and have no desire to leave it I am ok with staying in aviation.

But my point is this: I cannot move to another field without obtaining an engineering degree and starting over from the beginning. That is NOT a complaint. It is simply a fact of life for people like me. In truth, I agree with that philosophy for the nuts and bolts of design engineering in any new field. So go for the BSEE and give yourself maximum options.

 

[CivilTom]

Just a guess but wouldnt computer engineering be more related? I use ableton as a hobby and it looks like everything is transitioning from hardware to software, DAW/VST. It would be cool if you could program a new plug-in for music production. But it looks like Amplifiers will always need hardware (right?) i just bought a headphone amp and I really want to reverse engineer it but its too expensive of equipment to play with. Anyhow heres some solid advice: I went to a cc and it was kinda de moralizing till I realized how much money i was saving. Dont waste your time with an associates, since you will take unecesary courses. Pick a unniversirty you would like to transfer to and print their 'flow chart' for electrical engineering. Find out what courses the cc offers that fullfill those courses in the flow chart and make sure they tranfer! Focus on physics/math and computer science because they will be easier at the cc. STICK WITH IT! you will have many nights where you just feel like quiting, but dont give up. You will become a problem solver and positive contribution to society. Worst case scenario you graduate as a ee and thats a huge accomplishment.



does this forum have spell check? lol

 

[Gymmeh]

Either way, any company I have worked for will hire a Electrical guy on the spot.... if they can find one. Although a lot of people dont like the 25%-50% traveling and working with any number that has a kV after it.

But an EE will probably guaranty more work options.

 

[Gymmeh]

edite ^^^^ BSEE